Solar panel systems

ABSTRACT

A clamping assembly for securing two or more solar panels to a frame assembly is disclosed. The clamping assembly may include an extruded first clamping member having first and second surfaces and a receiving portion disposed between the first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping member being free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, first and second solar panels being disposed between the first and second clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and the second clamping member to secure together the first and second clamping members and the first and second solar panels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/215,277 entitled “SolarArrays” and filed Apr. 30, 2009; and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/216,624 entitled “Solar Arrays” and filed May18, 2009. The complete disclosures of the above applications are hereinincorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Solar panels have increasingly been used as an alternative energy sourcedue to the increase in cost and environmental impact of fossil fuels.One drawback to the use of solar panels is that a minimum area ofexposure is needed for the collection of usable amounts of solar energy,and as such, solar panels generally occupy a large amount of space.Often, solar panels are mounted to rooftops of existing buildings withmounting structures attached to the rooftop, so that the solar panels donot occupy space that would otherwise have alternative uses. However,those solar panels and/or mounting structures can adversely affect thearchitectural and/or structural integrity of the roof.

Ground-mounted solar panel systems or arrays also have been constructedby mounting solar panels on supports in vacant land areas, but thosesystems take up space that could otherwise have alternative uses.Moreover, existing ground-mounted solar panel systems are generallydifficult to assemble and disassemble; which in turn makes it difficultto move the solar panel system or to repair, replace or otherwisemaintain the solar panels. Solar collection farms (which may include twoor more solar panel systems) have been built in exceedingly sunnylocations, such as deserts where the land is not otherwise useful, butthese suffer from the problem of conducting the solar energy to thepoint of use, and do not enable individual households and businesses tocontrol their individual usage of solar energy.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Some embodiments provide a clamping assembly for securing two or moresolar panels to a frame assembly. The clamping assembly may include anextruded first clamping member having first and second surfaces and areceiving portion disposed between the first and second surfaces, thefirst surface configured to support a portion of a first solar panel,and the second surface configured to support a portion of a second solarpanel, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and thefirst clamping member being free from a void between the first andsecond surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached tothe receiving portion, the first and second solar panels being disposedbetween the first and second clamping members; and a first fastenerconfigured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion ofthe first clamping member and the second clamping member to securetogether the first and second clamping members and the first and secondsolar panels.

Some embodiments provide a solar panel racking system. The solar panelracking system may include a plurality of clamping assemblies, includingan extruded first clamping member having a receiving portion disposedbetween first and second surfaces, the first surface configured tosupport a portion of a first solar panel, and the second surfaceconfigured to support a portion of a second solar panel, the first andsecond surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping memberbeing free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a secondclamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, thefirst and second solar panels being disposed between the first andsecond clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at leastpartially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping memberand the second clamping member to secure together the first and secondclamping members and the first and second solar panels; and a frameassembly configured to support the plurality of clamping assemblies on asurface.

Some embodiments provide a solar panel system. The solar panel systemincluding a plurality of solar panels, including first and second solarpanels; a plurality of clamping assemblies, including an extruded firstclamping member having a receiving portion disposed between first andsecond surfaces, the first surface configured to support a portion ofthe first solar panel, and the second surface configured to support aportion of the second solar panel, the first and second surfaces beingwithin a first plane and the first clamping member being free from avoid between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping memberconfigured to be attached to the receiving portion, the first and secondsolar panels being disposed between the first and second clampingmembers; and a first fastener configured to be at least partiallyreceived by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and thesecond clamping member and to secure together the first and secondclamping members and the first and second solar panels; and a frameassembly configured to support the plurality of solar panels on asurface, wherein the plurality of clamping assemblies secure theplurality of solar panels to the frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example of a solar panel system.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view another example of a frame assembly for thesolar panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric partial view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2showing an example of support members connected via slip joints.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the solar panel system of FIG. 1 takenalong lines 4-4 in FIG. 1 shown without solar panels and showing anexample of a clamping assembly.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an example of a clamping member of theclamping assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of a clampingassembly of the solar panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of a clampingassembly of the solar panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of another example of a clampingassembly of the solar panel system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another example of a solar panel system.

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the solar panel system of FIG. 9 shown witha longitudinal section view of the clamping assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of FIG. 10 showing a longitudinal section viewof the clamping assembly of FIG. 7 and a frame assembly.

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of another example of a solar panelsystem shown with the clamping assembly of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 shows an example of a solar panel array or system 20. Unlessspecifically excluded, solar panel system 20 may include one or morecomponents of the other solar panel systems described in thisspecification. The solar panel system may include a ground-mounted frameassembly 22 for mounting a roof 24 with one or more solar panels 26. Theframe assembly also may be used to mount one or more electricalcomponents 28 related to a solar energy system, which may include aninverter, control apparatus, meter, and/or wiring connecting the solarpanel(s) to other electrical components.

The frame assembly and roof may be configured to define a covered space30 below the solar panels that may be used for storage of householdand/or business related items, and/or for recreation. For example, thesolar panel system may be used as a vehicle port, a covered picnic area,outdoor tables, etc. The solar panel system may include any desirednumber and size of solar panels 26 oriented in any desired orientation.When solar panel system 20 is provided without solar panels 26, thatsystem may sometimes be referred to as a “solar panel racking system31.”

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the frame assembly may include a plurality ofsupport members 32, such as vertical support members 34, horizontalsupport members 36, and transverse support members 38. Frame assembly 22also may include any suitable structure configured to allow the membersto be easily coupled to and/or de-coupled from one another. For example,the frame assembly may include one or more slip joints 40, as shown inFIG. 3. Any suitable fastener(s) (not shown), which may include bolts,screws, pins, etc., may be used to secure the support members to theslip joints. As such, the frame assembly may be modular, and its sizeand/or shape may readily be adjusted by adding or removing slip joints40 and/or support members.

Moreover, the slip joints may enable rapid assembly and disassembly ofthe frame assembly, thereby enabling a user to easily move components ofsolar panel system 20 constructed with the frame assembly, or to repair,replace or otherwise maintain solar panel(s) coupled to the frameassembly. Although support members 32 are shown to include slip joints40, the support members may alternatively, or additionally, include anysuitable connectors configured to allow the support members to beconnected to form the frame assembly.

Any number and/or size of the vertical, horizontal and/or transversesupport members may be used to construct a frame assembly having thedesired dimensions and structural stability. Frame assembly 22 mayinclude any suitable combination of support members 32. For example,FIG. 1 shows a first example of a frame assembly with four verticalsupport members 34, while FIG. 2 shows a second example of a frameassembly with six to nine of those support members.

Some of support members 32 may include telescoping portions that enablea user to telescopically adjust the length of support member 32 to anydesired length. When assembled, the support members may define asubstantially planar support region 42 (or purchase) for supporting theweight of roof 24 and for securing the roof to the frame assembly in adesired position and orientation relative to the ground. The supportmembers may be made of titanium, graphite, powder coated steel,aluminum, and/or any other suitable materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the vertical support members of the frameassembly may be mounted to the ground. For example, the vertical supportmembers may be anchored in a concrete foundation. Alternatively, oradditionally, the vertical support members may be attached to footings43 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1) that provide additional stabilityto the frame assembly. Some frame assemblies 22 may include verticalsupport members 34 that are not securely anchored to the ground, suchthat the solar panel system is moveable. For example, one or more wheels(not shown) may be attached to the vertical support members.

As discussed above, the roof may be attached to the substantially planarsupport region of the frame assembly, thereby positioning the roof in adesired position and orientation relative to the ground and the sky. Theroof may be comprised of either (1) a roof structure 44 that may beattached to the substantially planar support region of the frameassembly such that one or more solar panels 26 may be attached to theroof structure; or (2) one or more solar panels 26 directly attached tothe substantially planar support region of the frame assembly without aroofing structure 44 between the substantially planar support region andthe solar panels, such that the solar panels form roof 24 that definescovered space 30 with the frame assembly.

I. Roofs Comprised of Roof Structures Attached to the Frame Assembly andOne or More Solar Panels Attached to the Roof Structure

FIG. 1 shows solar panel system 20 having a roof 24 comprised of a roofstructure 44 and a plurality of solar panels 26 affixed to the roofstructure by a racking assembly 46. The roof structure may beconstructed of one or more roofing materials, including metal, plastic,vinyl, glass, etc. The roof structure also may have any desired shapeconsistent with its functions, including flat panel standing seamroofing, a sheet of flat roofing material, corrugated roofing, and/orany other suitable roofing that may be coupled to the horizontal and/ortransverse support members that define the substantially planar supportregion of the frame. For example, the roof structure may be attached topurlins, joists, etc. that are attached by any suitable fasteners(including bolts, screws, etc.) to the substantially planar supportregion of the frame assembly.

The roof structure may be selected to inhibit and/or prevent theelements from affecting the space beneath the roof. For example, theroof structure may be substantially or completely water tight, such asthrough the use of contiguous expanses of material, welds, seals and/orsealants, which inhibit moisture from passing through the roof and intothe space covered by the roof. Moreover, any portion of the roofstructure may be selected to be transparent, translucent, or opaque,depending on the desired application, so as to allow, inhibit or preventlight from passing through the roof structure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional side view of the roof of the solar panelsystem shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, one or more solar panels 26(i.e., Photovoltaic Panels, or PV Modules) may be attached to the roofstructure by a racking assembly 46, which may secure the solar panels ingenerally the same orientation as the roof, or may secure the solarpanels in a slightly different orientation than the roof. The rackingassembly may include a plurality of mounts 48 and a plurality ofclamping assemblies 50, as shown in FIG. 4.

The mounts may include any suitable structure configured to securelyfasten to the roof structure and may be attached to clamping assembly50. The mount may include, for example, an S-5 clamp that may besecurely fastened to a standing seam 52 of a flat panel standing seamroof structure 54, and that includes a threaded mounting aperture 56 forreceiving a bolt or other fastener 58, although any suitable mount 48may be used that securely attaches to the selected type of roofstructure.

The plurality of mounts may be attached to roof structure 44 atpositions generally corresponding to locations where it may be desirableto couple clamping assembly 50 to the roof structure. Some of theplurality of mounts may have different heights than others of theplurality of mounts, or may include telescoping members that allow foradjustment of the height of the mounts, thereby enabling a user toselect the positions of the clamping assemblies relative to the roofstructure, and thus to adjust the position of the solar panels relativeto the roof structure.

The clamping assemblies may include any suitable structure configured tosecure one, two, three, four or more solar panels 26 to frame assembly22. For example, each clamping assembly 50 may include a first clampingmember 60 and a second clamping member 62. The first clamping member maybe configured to be attached to mount 48. Second clamping member 62 maybe configured to be attached to the first clamping member, such as to achannel receiver (further discussed below). The first and secondclamping members may function together to clamp one side of one or moresolar panels therebetween. In other words, first and second solar panelsmay be disposed between the first and second clamping members.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and/or second clamping members of eachclamping assembly may be generally elongate structures having lengthsthat span the width of one or more solar panels 26. For example, thefirst and/or second clamping members each may have a length that isapproximately or precisely a multiple of the width of a solar panel.Alternatively, the first clamping member may span the width of one ormore solar panels 26, while two or more, much shorter, second clampingmembers may be attached to the first clamping member. Those secondclamping members may span any suitable widths and may be separated byany suitable distances. For example, a first clamping member 60 may spanthe width of three solar panels 26, while second clamping members 62 mayspan the 1/10, 1/15, 1/20 or less of the width of a solar panel 26 andmay be attached at different portions of the first clamping member, suchas adjacent to corner portions 64 of those solar panels, as shown inFIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first clamping member may include a base portion66 and a channel receiver or receiving portion 68 extending transverselyor tangentially from the base portion. The base portion may include afirst surface 70 and a second surface 72. The first surface may beconfigured to support a portion of a first solar panel, while the secondsurface may be configured to support a portion of a second solar panel.Additionally, or alternatively, the first and second surfaces may becoplanar or within a first plane F. The channel receiver may sometimesbe described as being disposed between the first and second surfaces.Although first and second surfaces 70, 72 are described to support aportion of a single solar panel 26, the first and/or second surfaces mayeach support portions of two or more solar panels 26.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first clamping member may be freefrom (or without) one or more voids between the first and secondsurfaces. In other words, first clamping member 60 may not include anychannels, slots, apertures, etc. between the first and second surfacesand/or within first plane F. When the first clamping member is free fromvoid(s) between the first and second surface, that clamping member mayprovide more structural support of the solar panels compared to otherclamping members with void(s) between those surfaces. The additionalstructural support provided by the first clamping member may allow thesolar panel system to use frame assemblies with less support membersand/or without a roof structure, as further discussed below.

The first and/or second surfaces of first clamping member 60 may includeone or more channels or grooves 74 configured to at least partiallyreceive one or more mount fasteners 58. Groove 74 may span any suitablelength of the surface. Mount fastener 58 may in turn be engaged with afastening aperture 56 of the mount to secure the first clamping memberto the mount. In other words, the mount fastener may be configured to beat least partially received in groove 74 and to secure the firstclamping member to the frame assembly.

Alternatively, or additionally, the base member may include a pluralityof spaced-apart apertures (not shown) configured to at least partiallyreceive the mount fasteners. Although base portion 66 is shown toinclude a single groove 74, the base portion may include two, three,four, or more grooves. Additionally, although second surface 72 of baseportion 66 is shown to include groove 74, the first surface mayadditionally, or alternatively, include one or more grooves 74. Forexample, both the first and second surfaces may include one or moregrooves 74 such that both surfaces may be attached to one or more mounts48 via mount fasteners 58.

Similar to the base portion, the channel receiver also may have a lengthspanning the length of the first clamping member, and may define achannel 78 having a plurality of channel ridges 79 for receiving one ormore clamp fasteners 80 at any position(s) along its length. The channelreceiver may have a height that is substantially the same as, orslightly less than the height of solar panel 26, such that when solarpanel 26 is seated on the first or second surface of the base portion,on either side of the channel receiver, the top surface of the solarpanel is flush with or slightly higher than the top of the channelreceiver.

The first clamping member may be formed of a single unitary piece ofextruded material. The first and/or second clamping members may each beextruded and/or a unitary member. In other words, the first clampingmember (and/or the second clamping member) may be a singular componentthat does not consist of multiple components. Alternatively, the firstclamping member may include several components welded or otherwisesecured together.

Second clamping member 62 may include one or more receiving walls 81 andone or more apertures 82. The receiving walls may be complementary withthe channel receiver of the first clamping members. Apertures 82 may belocated along any suitable portions of the second clamping member forreceiving one or more clamp fasteners 80. The second clamping member mayfurther include contact surfaces 83 having clamp ridges 84 for retainingthe solar panels, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The clamp fasteners may beinserted through the apertures in the second clamping member and engagedwith the channel receiver at any position along its length to secure thesecond clamping member to the first clamping member. In other words, theclamp fastener may be configured to be at least partially received byaperture 82 and channel receiver 68 to secure together the first andsecond clamping members and first and second solar panels 26.

Although second clamping member 62 is shown to include a single aperture82, the second clamping member may include any suitable number ofapertures. Additionally, aperture 82 is shown to be centrally disposedon the second clamping member, the aperture may be in any suitableportion(s) of the second clamping member, such as the end portion(s).Second clamping member 62 also may include one or more channels 85,which may be configured to drain and/or direct water falling on thesecond clamping member. Unless specifically excluded, clamping assembly50 may include one or more components of other clamping assembliesdescribed in this specification.

When one or more solar panels 26 are seated on the first and secondsurfaces of the base portion (on either side of the channel receiver)and the second clamping member is secured to the first clamping member,the contact surfaces of the second clamping member engage the solarpanel(s) and clamp the solar panel(s) to the base portion of the firstclamping member, thereby securing the solar panel(s) in place.

In some embodiments, second clamping member 62 may include one or morerubber gaskets (not shown) that function as a pad for preventing damageto the solar panels, as a frictional surface for preventing the solarpanel(s) from moving relative to the clamping assembly, and/or as a sealthat inhibits or prevents moisture from passing between the solar paneland the clamping assembly. Although second clamping member 62 is shownto include a particular structure, the second clamping member mayinclude any suitable structure configured to attach to the firstclamping member and secure one or more solar panels 26. For example,second clamping member 62 may exclude one or more receiving walls 81.

When assembling solar panel system 20, at least a pair of clampingassemblies is required to secure a solar panel 26 to roof structure 44.For example, a row of solar panels 26 may include one of a pair ofclamping assemblies 50 on opposing sides of the row of solar panels 26.For solar panel systems 20 having more than one row of solar panels(such as shown in FIG. 1, which includes two rows of solar panels 26), asingle clamping assembly 50 may be used between adjacent rows, becauseeach clamping assembly may be adapted to clamp one side of a row ofsolar panel 26 on either side of channel receiver 68. In other words, aclamping assembly 50 may be adapted to clamp one, two, three, four, ormore solar panels 26.

In some cases, racking assembly 46 also may include one or more seals(not shown) having a length that extends the length of one or more solarpanels 26. The seals may function to plug the gaps between solar panels26 at positions where the clamping assemblies do not engage the solarpanels, thereby forming a moisture barrier that may inhibit or preventmoisture from passing between the spaces between adjacent solar panels26.

II. Roofs Comprised of One or More Solar Panels Directly Attached to theFrame Assembly

FIG. 6 shows an example of a clamping assembly 50, which is generallyindicated at 86, that may be used to directly attach solar panels 26 toframe assembly 22 such that solar panel system 20 is free from a roofingstructure between the racking assembly and the frame assembly. Unlessspecifically excluded, clamping assembly 86 may include one or morecomponents of clamping assembly 50 and/or other clamping assembliesdescribed in this specification. Clamping assembly 86 may include afirst clamping member 88, a second clamping member 90, and a fastener92, as shown in FIG. 6.

The first clamping member may include a base portion 94 and a channelreceiver (or receiving portion) 96. The base portion may include a firstsurface 98 and a second surface 100. The first surface may be configuredto support a portion of a first solar panel, while the second surfacemay be configured to support a portion of a second solar panel. Thefirst and second surfaces may be coplanar or within first plane F.Alternatively, the first and second surface may be in separate planes(not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, the first clamping membermay be free from one or more voids between the first and secondsurfaces.

Base portion 94 also may include a third surface 102 within a secondplane S parallel to first plane F. Additionally, the base portion mayinclude a first wall 104 and a second wall 105, which may connect thefirst and second surfaces and the third surface to form a closed hollowstructure 106, as shown in FIG. 6. The first and second walls may begenerally perpendicular to the first, second, and/or third surfaces.Additionally, base portion 94 may include one or more openings 107configured to receive an end cap (not shown). Fastener(s) 92 may beconfigured to secure third surface 102 to the frame assembly.

FIG. 7 shows another example of a clamping assembly 50, which isgenerally indicated at 108, that may be used to directly attach solarpanels 26 to frame assembly 22 such that solar panel system 20 is freefrom a roofing structure between the racking assembly and the frameassembly. Unless specifically excluded, clamping assembly 108 mayinclude one or more components of other clamping assemblies described inthis specification. Clamping assembly 108 may include a first clampingmember 110, a second clamping member 112, and a fastener 114, as shownin FIG. 7.

The first clamping member may include a base portion 116 and a channelreceiver (or receiving portion) 118. The base portion may include afirst surface 120 and a second surface 122. The first surface may beconfigured to support a portion of a first solar panel, while the secondsurface may be configured to support a portion of a second solar panel.The first and second surfaces may be coplanar or within first plane F.Alternatively, the first and second surface may be in separate planes(not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, the first clamping membermay be free from one or more voids between the first and secondsurfaces.

Base portion 116 also may include a third surface 124 within secondplane S parallel to first plane F. Additionally, the base portion mayinclude a first wall 126 and a second wall 128, which may connect thefirst and second surfaces and the third surface to form a closed hollowstructure 130, as shown in FIG. 7. Moreover, base portion 116 mayinclude a fourth surface 132 connected to but external closed hollowstructure 130. The fourth surface may be coplanar with third surface 124or may be on a different plane from that surface. Fourth surface 132 mayinclude one or more grooves 133 configured to receive one or morefasteners 114. Furthermore, the base portion may include one or moreopenings 134 configured to receive an end cap (not shown). Fastener(s)114 may be configured to secure fourth surface 132 (and/or third surface124) to the frame assembly.

FIG. 8 shows another example of a clamping assembly 50, which isgenerally indicated at 136, that may be used to directly attach solarpanels 26 to frame assembly 22 such that solar panel system 20 is freefrom a roofing structure between the racking assembly and the frameassembly. Unless specifically excluded, clamping assembly 136 mayinclude one or more components of other clamping assemblies described inthis specification. Clamping assembly 136 may include a first clampingmember 138, a second clamping member similar to one or more of thesecond clamping members described in this specification, and a fastener140, as shown in FIG. 8.

The first clamping member may include a base portion 142 and a channelreceiver (or receiving portion) 144. The base portion may include afirst surface 146 and a second surface 148. The first surface may beconfigured to support a portion of a first solar panel, while the secondsurface may be configured to support a portion of a second solar panel.The first and second surfaces may be coplanar or within first plane F.Alternatively, the first and second surface may be in separate planes(not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, the first clamping membermay be free from one or more voids between the first and secondsurfaces.

Base portion 142 also may include a third surface 150 and a fourthsurface 152 within second plane S parallel to first plane F.Additionally, the base portion may include a first wall 154 disposedbetween the third and fourth surfaces, which may connect the first andsecond surfaces and the third and fourth surfaces, as shown in FIG. 8.The first wall may define a third plane T that may be generallyperpendicular to the first and second planes. In some embodiments, thechannel receiver may generally be within the third plane. The thirdand/or fourth surfaces may include a groove 156 configured to receivefastener(s) 140. Additionally, the first, second, third, and/or fourthsurfaces may include one or more channels 158, which may be configuredto drain and/or direct water falling on the clamping assemblies.Fastener(s) 140 may be configured to secure the third and/or fourthsurfaces to the frame assembly.

FIG. 9 shows another example of a solar panel system, which is generallyindicated at 160. Unless specifically excluded, solar panel system 160may include one or more components of the solar panel systems describedin this specification. Solar panel system 160 may include a plurality ofclamping assemblies 162 securing solar panels 164 to frame assembly 166.Unlike the solar panel system of FIG. 1, solar panel system 160 is freefrom (or does not include) a roof structure between the clampingassemblies and the frame assembly. Each clamping assembly 162 mayinclude a first clamping member 168, a second clamping member 170, afirst fastener 172, and a second fastener 174, as shown in FIGS. 10-11.

FIG. 12 shows another example of a solar panel system, which isgenerally indicated at 176. Unless specifically excluded, solar panelsystem 176 may include one or more components of the solar panel systemsdescribed in this specification. Solar panel system 176 may include aplurality of clamping assemblies 178 securing solar panels 180 to frameassembly 182. Similar to the solar panel system of FIGS. 9-11, solarpanel system 176 is free from (or does not include) a roof structurebetween the clamping assemblies and the frame assembly. Each clampingassembly 178 may include a first clamping member 184, a second clampingmember 186, a first fastener 188, and a second fastener 190, as shown inFIG. 12.

Solar panel systems, such as the solar panel systems of FIGS. 9-12 maybe described as having one or more solar panels (i.e., PV Modules)directly attached to the substantially planar support region of theframe assembly with a racking assembly, such that the solar panels formthe roof that defines the covered space. Additionally, the structuralsupport portions, such as the portions below the first and secondsurfaces, of the first clamping members of FIGS. 9-12 may be referred toas a “purlin” or “joist portion.”

Roofs comprised of solar panels attached directly to the frame assemblyby a racking assembly, where the solar panels themselves form the roofthat defines the covered space, has advantages over roofs comprised of aroof structure with solar panels attached to the roof structure. Whensolar panels are attached to a roof structure, the air space between thesolar panels and the roof often heats considerably during normalexposure of the solar panel to sunlight, due in part to inadequateventilation. This pocket of warm or hot air, in turn, may heat the solarpanels to a degree that affects their performance. Roofs that do notinclude a roof structure, but instead have solar panels attacheddirectly to the frame by a racking system do not suffer from thisproblem, because the air surrounding the solar panels is adequatelyventilated.

III. Examples of Uses for Solar Panel Systems

SS #1: An 8×8′ unit may provide over 1.05 kw of power. Secondary usesmay include backyard storage shed to protect tools, garden supplies,off-season sporting equipment and lawn equipment from inclement weather.It may also function as a shaded play area, dining spot, or potting shed. . . the possibilities are endless.

SS #2: A 10×12 unit may double the capacity for power, with 2.10 kw.Secondary uses may include a car port to protect your vehicles fromsnow, ice, rain and sun, and a backyard storage shed to protect tools,garden supplies, off-season sporting equipment and lawn equipment frominclement weather. It may also function as a shaded play area, diningspot, or potting shed . . . the possibilities are endless.

SS #4: A 12×12 unit may provide approximately 4.2 kw of solar power.Secondary uses may include a car port to protect your vehicles fromsnow, ice, rain and sun, and a backyard storage shed to protect tools,garden supplies, off-season sporting equipment and lawn equipment toguard against inclement weather. It may also function as a shaded playarea, dining spot, or potting shed . . . the possibilities are endless.

SS #8: A 22×28 unit may provide approximately 7.88 kw of power and maybe perfect for larger properties or small commercial/industrial sites.Secondary uses may include a double carport, and a large storage shed toprotect tools and other equipment from inclement weather.

SS Custom/Industrial Units: For custom structures with specific power,size and/or shape requirements, or for larger industrial or commercialstructures with greater power requirements, structures may be customdesigned to meet specific needs, ranging in size from approximately 1 kwto 100 kw. Secondary uses may include any of the uses describe above, aswell as protecting RV's, golf carts, boats, tractors, even airplanesfrom inclement weather.

The disclosure set forth above encompasses multiple distinct inventionswith independent utility. While each of these inventions has beendisclosed in a preferred form or method, the specific alternatives,embodiments, and/or methods thereof as disclosed herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible. Thepresent disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations andsubcombinations of the various elements, features, functions,properties, methods and/or steps disclosed herein. Similarly, where anydisclosure above recites “a” or “a first” element, step of a method, orthe equivalent thereof, such disclosure should be understood to includeone or more such elements or steps, neither requiring nor excluding twoor more such elements or steps.

Inventions embodied in various combinations and subcombinations offeatures, functions, elements, properties, steps and/or methods may beclaimed through presentation of claims in a related application. Suchclaims, whether they are directed to a different invention or directedto the same invention, whether different, broader, narrower, or equal inscope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within thesubject matter of the present disclosure.

1. A clamping assembly for securing two or more solar panels to a frame assembly, comprising: an extruded first clamping member having first and second surfaces and a receiving portion disposed between the first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to support a portion of a first solar panel, and the second surface configured to support a portion of a second solar panel, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping member being free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, the first and second solar panels being disposed between the first and second clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and the second clamping member to secure together the first and second clamping members and the first and second solar panels.
 2. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces includes a groove, further comprising a second fastener configured to be at least partially received in the groove and to secure the first clamping member to the frame assembly.
 3. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clamping member includes a third surface within a second plane parallel to the first plane, and first and second walls connecting the first and second surfaces and the third surface to form a closed hollow structure, further comprising a second fastener configured to secure the third surface to the frame assembly.
 4. The clamping assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clamping member includes third and fourth surfaces within a second plane that is parallel to the first plane, and a first wall connecting the first and second surfaces and the third and fourth surfaces further comprising a second fastener configured to be at least partially received in one of the third and fourth surfaces and to secure the one of the third and fourth surfaces to the frame assembly.
 5. A solar panel racking system, comprising: a plurality of clamping assemblies, including: an extruded first clamping member having a receiving portion disposed between first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to support a portion of a first solar panel, and the second surface configured to support a portion of a second solar panel, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping member being free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, the first and second solar panels being disposed between the first and second clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and the second clamping member to secure together the first and second clamping members and the first and second solar panels; and a frame assembly configured to support the plurality of clamping assemblies on a surface.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first clamping member includes a third surface within a second plane that is parallel to the first plane.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first clamping member includes first and second walls connecting the first and second surfaces and the third surface to form a closed hollow structure.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the solar panel racking system is free from a roofing structure between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, further comprising a second fastener configured to secure the third surface to the frame assembly.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the solar panel racking system is free from a roofing structure between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, wherein the first clamping member includes a fourth surface coplanar with the third surface but external the closed hollow structure, further comprising a second fastener configured to secure the fourth surface to the frame assembly.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first and second walls are generally perpendicular to the first, second, and third surfaces.
 11. The system of claim 5, wherein the first clamping member includes third and fourth surfaces within a second plane parallel to the first plane.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the solar panel racking system is free from a roofing structure between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, further comprising a second fastener configured to secure at least one of the third and fourth surfaces to the frame assembly.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first clamping member includes a first wall disposed between the third and fourth surfaces and connecting the first and second surfaces and the third and fourth surfaces.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first wall defines a third plane that is generally perpendicular to the first and second planes.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the receiving portion is generally within the third plane.
 16. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces includes a groove configured to receive a fastener, further comprising a roof structure disposed between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, and a second fastener configured to be at least partially received in the groove to attach the at least one of the first and second surfaces to the roof structure.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the roof structure includes a plurality of mounts, and the second fastener is configured to be at least partially received in a mount of the plurality of mounts.
 18. A solar panel system, comprising: a plurality of solar panels, including first and second solar panels; a plurality of clamping assemblies, including: an extruded first clamping member having a receiving portion disposed between first and second surfaces, the first surface configured to support a portion of the first solar panel, and the second surface configured to support a portion of the second solar panel, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping member being free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, the first and second solar panels being disposed between the first and second clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and the second clamping member and to secure together the first and second clamping members and the first and second solar panels; and a frame assembly configured to support the plurality of solar panels on a surface, wherein the plurality of clamping assemblies secure the plurality of solar panels to the frame assembly.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the solar panel system is free from a roofing structure between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, wherein the plurality of clamping assemblies further includes a second fastener configured to secure the first clamping member to the frame assembly.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second surfaces includes a groove configured to receive a fastener, further comprising a roof structure disposed between the plurality of clamping assemblies and the frame assembly, and a second fastener configured to be at least partially received in the groove to attach the at least one of the first and second surfaces to the roof structure. 